SDCC 2015: Four Horsemen Mythic Legions (with AFP Video Fly-By)

SDCC 2015 Four Horsemen Mythic Legions (1 of 15)

One of my favorite stops at San Diego Comic-Con is the with the Four Horsemen, the folks behind the scenes on some of our favorite toy lines like Mattel’s Masters of the Universe Classics and now Thundercats. I spoke with Eric Treadaway about their own line of toys, Mythic Legions, which launched on Kickstarter as the most-funded action figure project of all time, surpassing the previous reigning champs, Boss Fight Studios’ Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S. and their previous Kickstarter for the Gothitropolis Ravens.

We also got to touch on their continuing work with Mattel, on the DC Comics Multiverse and Batman v Superman 6-inch lines. And of course, Thundercats!

Continue reading “SDCC 2015: Four Horsemen Mythic Legions (with AFP Video Fly-By)”

SDCC 2015: Mattel Returns to 6-Inch Scale with DC Comics Multiverse and Batman v Superman

SDCC 2015 Mattel DC Multiverse Justice Buster Collect and Connect Wave (1 of 9)

Mattel is putting 4-inch scaled DC figures on hiatus in 2016, and 6-inch scale is back in. And I’m wondering if there was some press release I missed, or if this change just happened and they didn’t really announce it. (Mattel has got the traditional Mattypalooza panel, but no DC panel at SDCC this year.) Both scenarios are possible – I am not actively seeking news. But if I tell myself there’s no way I would have missed a change this dramatic (as far as drama goes in toys), then it stands to reason that Mattel doesn’t want to acknowledge any questionable decisions they’ve made handling their DC license in recent years.

You could even say that they’re still putting some distance between what they’re doing now and what they did so well under the DC Universe Classics brand. For one, even though the Four Horsemen are back on DC, it’s not the same one to one relationship; Mattel is utilizing other design shops. If I had to guess, from the look of it, it’s Gentle Giant expanding beyond their work on WWE.

Second, they’re sticking with the DC Comics Multiverse brand name. And third, the line is rooted in modern, not classic character looks.

Continue reading “SDCC 2015: Mattel Returns to 6-Inch Scale with DC Comics Multiverse and Batman v Superman”

SDCC 2014: Mattel DC (Preview Night)

SDCC 2014 Mattel DC

I know – for fans of DC Universe Classics, it’s a tough time to be following Mattel and their DC offerings this year. The 4-inch Multiverse line seems to have some legs, but it’s just not my cup of tea – I’m not averse to 4-inch lines, but between the chunky sculpts and hit-or-miss articulation, I’m not collecting.

Most of the remaining DC Universe Classic figures were shown at Preview Night, but the Damien Wayne Robin from a few Toy Fairs back was not on display. The Batman ’66 line is stalled – the only new figure was a Yvonne Craig Batgirl, but that’s in a multi-pack – I think that signals the end of the line.

Check out the showing of Mattel’s DC lines for Preview Night – the Mattel Mattypalooza panel is Friday, but I’m not holding my breath for more DC figures – at least not ones to my liking.

NYCC 2013: Mattel DC Comics Multiverse – Batman and Superman Movies Wave

NYCC 2013 - Mattel DC Multiverse - Movie Wave (3 of 26)

For as long as there’s been Batman and Superman figures, collectors have been asking for figures from the classic Michael Keaton Batman and Christopher Reeve Superman films. After the Nolan-verse Batman and Man of Steel Movie Masters, I know collectors were hoping for the expansion of that line, and were further encouraged by the Batman 1966 Classic TV Series figures.

So you can imagine my surprise when Mattel decided to introduce from the Keaton and Reeve movies, but choose to do it in the DC Comics Multiverse 3.75-inch line. And while I think generally speaking, the figures look decent for ones in the small scale, I struggle to shake off the notion that this is not a friendly move towards collectors who supported the movie and TV figures in the existing 6-inch scale.

Continue reading “NYCC 2013: Mattel DC Comics Multiverse – Batman and Superman Movies Wave”

NYCC 2013: Mattel DC and Masters of the Universe Instapics

We’re at Preview Night of New York Comic-Con. Here’s some quick pics of Mattel’s booth.

[instapress tag=”afpnycc13mattel” piccount=”0″ size=”150″ effect=”fancybox”]

To get you the pics you want as fast as I can, I’m hooking you into my Instagram feed. If you’re on Instagram, follow me at afpron – that’s for AFP Ron, not AF Pron :). Stay tuned for better pictures soon.

Scroll Up